Berry Good!

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

approx. 12 small to medium sized strawberries, cleaned and cut in half

1/2 to 1 medium sized banana, sliced

1 (serving) vanilla Yoplait light (or dannon light) yogurt (minus 2 teaspoons) (or any non-fat yogurt)

1 to 2 tablespoons light agave nectar

1 large glass of ice cubes

Directions

1. Slice strawberries and banana and add to blender.

2. Add yogurt.

3. Add a bit of light agave nectar.

4. Add 1 glass of ice.

5. Add a bit more light agave nectar.

6. Mix on “smoothie” setting until blended well and no ice remains. About 2 minutes.

7. Add more light agave nectar to sweeten.

8. Pour into a glass and enjoy this delicious smoothie! Garnish with a strawberry for a nice clean decoration.

Suggestions:

• Try other fruits and berries – including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries – or any fruit you like
• Use frozen fruit if you do not have access to fresh
• For a non-dairy alternative, replace yogurt with apple juice
• Add flax or hemp seed as an enhancer

Keep Calm and Grill On

Fruit: a healthy alternative to dessert. Want to have an excuse to keep the party alive and the flame going? Just grill it!

Grilling fruit is a great way to bring out the natural flavors within via caramelization. (and is highly endorsed by Mr. Bobby Flay).

The process is incredibly simple as well!

Now, corny [or should i say, citrus] joke time!!

What are a vampire’s favorite fruit?

Blood Oranges! 

hehe!!

Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C and are complementary to many fish and chicken dishes.

I have never really enjoyed raw oranges, but I am beginning to open my eyes to a entire, unexplored world of magical fruits!

Step by step instructions: http://www.livestrong.com/article/450372-how-to-grill-an-orange/

I sprinkled a blood orange, a satsuma and a valencia orange with a tiny bit of light brown sugar on one side – delicious! It is a great, innovative way to balance the acidity of citrus fruits, and is a sexy approach to spicing up whatever you have sitting in your refrigerator. Juicy, light and a great side dish, salad addition or enjoy it as a yummy, healthy snack. Very romantic indeed!

“Daily Needs for Fruits & Vegetables:
Most people should increase the amount of fruits and vegetables they currently eat every day. Daily fruit and vegetable needs depend on a person’s calorie needs, which are determined by age, sex and level of physical activity. For example, an adult should eat 2 cups of fruits and 2½ cups of vegetables daily, based on a 2,000 calorie diet.”

Brought to you by Clemson University (and the letter [vitamin] C) at http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/hot_topics/2010/08grill_veg.html

Other useful websites and tips:

http://bbq.about.com/od/fruitandvegetables/a/aa081305a.htm

Trying Grilling Fruits and Vegetables

http://www.organicauthority.com/eco-chic-table/grilled-grilling-fruits-101.html

http://www.organicgardening.com/cook/most-grillable-fruits